Jazz Performance Practice in Historical and Cultural Context

This course examines the repertoire and performance practices associated with the music of "Krazy Kat" (John Carpenter), "The Toy Box: La Boîte à Joujoux" (Claude Debussy), "Oil and Vinegar" (John Carpenter; performed by Bix Beiderbecke), as well as the big band music of composers Oliver Nelson and Mary Lou Williams. Performance assignments will be prepared for weekly rehearsals in preparation for several public performances.

Sample reading list:McDonnell, Patrick,
Krazy Kat: The Comic Art of George HerrimanPollack, Howard,
Skyscraper Lullaby: The Life and Music of John CarpenterOrledge, Robert,
Debussy and the TheaterDahl, Linda,
Morning Glory: A Biography of Mary Lou WilliamsKernodle, Tammy,
Soul on Soul: The Life and Music of Mary Lou WilliamsBerton, Ralph & Hentoff, Nat,
Remembering Bix: A Memoir of the Jazz Age
See instructor for complete list

Reading/Writing assignments:
Preparation of pieces in the repertoire, music listening assignments, and research assignments. Student will be exposed to the unique performance practices related to the repertoire covered in the course. They will also be presented with a variety of performance assignments and will be expected to prepare this material for rehearsal sessions and performances.